Tech Startup Investments in Egypt Surge Sevenfold Over Five Years, Says Minister
October 5, 2025 | Daily News Egypt
In a significant boost to Egypt’s technology sector, investments in tech startups have witnessed an unprecedented sevenfold increase from 2020 to 2025 compared to the previous five-year period. Announcing this landmark growth, Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, attributed the surge to the country’s strategic reforms fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the “Techne Summit 2025” held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina from October 4 to 6, Minister Talaat highlighted that the rising inflow of investment funds reflects the acceleration of Egypt’s startup ecosystem and its growing attractiveness to both domestic and international investors.
Catalyst for a Thriving Ecosystem
The Minister underscored that Egypt’s concerted push for innovation has elevated the country’s position on the Global Innovation Index, positioning it as a leading regional hub for technological entrepreneurship. The thriving startup scene is marked by dynamic ventures innovating in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and other frontier technologies.
In support of this ecosystem, Talaat unveiled an upgraded version of the EgyptInnovate platform, developed by local startups to enhance connectivity between startups and the investment community. The enhanced platform offers features such as an interactive map showcasing Egyptian startups’ technical solutions, detailed profiles of entities active in the ecosystem, and AI-powered tools including a chatbot that delivers personalized technical, business, and economic advice to entrepreneurs.
Currently serving over 70,000 users, the revamped EgyptInnovate platform aims to double its user base, providing startups across Egypt with easier access to resources and investment opportunities through an open-source and inclusive design.
Supporting Entrepreneurs Nationwide
Minister Talaat emphasized the Ministry’s broader digital transformation strategy under “Digital Egypt,” which prioritizes innovation and entrepreneurship as a central pillar. The “Creativa” initiative exemplifies this approach: since its launch in 2018 with just three centers, it has expanded to 24 centers across 21 governorates, offering startups access to training labs, technical mentorship, and incubation services.
Over 790 companies have benefited from these hubs, with 69 companies incubated in the past 18 months alone. These startups have successfully developed prototypes and refined products in collaboration with industry experts, aiming to enter local and international markets.
Bridging the Financing Gap
Access to finance remains a critical barrier for many entrepreneurs. In response, the Ministry has forged strategic partnerships with global investment firms such as “Plug and Play” and “500 Global,” facilitating networks that connect startups with potential investors. These partnerships, which began in Cairo, have extended their activities to Upper Egypt, with plans to cover the Delta, Canal, and Alexandria regions in their next phases.
Financial support programs are also playing a key role in startup growth. For example, the “Start IT” program offers packages valued up to EGP 1 million per company, including cash funding and cloud computing credits through Amazon Web Services. Similarly, the “Creativa Incubation” program provides startups with up to EGP 400,000 over nine months to help overcome early-stage hurdles and scale operations.
Global Exposure and Collaborative Efforts
Egypt’s efforts to extend its startups’ global reach are evident in its active participation in high-profile international events. This year, 24 Egyptian startups will present their cutting-edge innovations at the “Web Summit” in Portugal, one of the world’s largest technology conferences.
The Techne Summit 2025 also provided a platform for leading figures to share insights on Egypt’s technological future. Alexandria Governor Ahmed Khaled Said spoke proudly about positioning the city as a technology and entrepreneurship hub, highlighting the “Smart Alexandria” initiative that aims to leverage smart technologies to solve urban challenges through collaborative efforts involving local authorities, private sector, and youth.
Swedish Ambassador Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt emphasized the expanding cooperation between Sweden and Egypt in technology, particularly in AI and digital solutions, noting the transformational potential of responsible AI. Meanwhile, Ahmed El Wakil, President of the Union of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce, highlighted the critical role of startups and SMEs in fostering economic growth and job creation, particularly for youth, commending Egypt’s strides in technology and entrepreneurship.
Looking Ahead
The remarkable growth in Egypt’s tech startup investments signals a vibrant and evolving ecosystem poised to contribute significantly to the country’s economic and technological landscape. With continued governmental support, innovative platforms like EgyptInnovate, and international collaborations, Egypt is fortifying its position as a regional leader in technology-driven innovation.
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